Democracy Dies in DarknessThe OptimistEvery spring, commencement speakers offer their wisdom. We combed through dozens of speeches from over the years and pulled out some of the best advice.May 15, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. EDTYesterday at 5:00 a.m. EDTAt Northwestern University's graduation last year, actor Steve Carell encouraged graduates to see the best in others and fight the urge to be cynical. (Paul Beaty/AP)Donovan Livingston knew the stakes were high this year when he was asked to deliver a commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he teaches. Ten years ago, he was the student speaker at his graduation from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. The speech went viral, inspiring millions of people around the world — and changed his life.